Plan Your Perfect Day With These Beautiful Irish Wedding Venues Inspired by The Stars

Everyone wants their perfect fairytale wedding to match their own personal love story. Whether you’ve always dreamed of getting married in a castle by a lake or a luxurious hotel, your perfect wedding venue is out there and closer than you might think.

In the spirit of love, we’ve taken inspiration from famous faces who chose to tie the knot in some of Ireland’s most spectacular venues.

So keep reading to discover the potential future wedding destination that will appeal to the romantic in you, whether or not you’re guilty of watching too many rom-coms.

Waterford Castle

If you fancy proclaiming your love in Ireland’s oldest city, then a wedding escape to Waterford Castle will be unforgettable. Located on a private island just outside the Viking city, this 16th century hotel provides the ultimate escape.

Last September, Kodaline’s Jason Boland married Etaoin Corr in the castle hotel, which also boasts an award-winning restaurant, The Munster Room, so you needn’t leave your peaceful surroundings during your stay.

Ballymaloe House

Irish actor Gabriel Byrne married Hannah Beth King at Ballymaloe House in Cork in 2014. Owned by the Allen family, the house, which first opened to the public in 1964, offers warm hospitality and beautifully cooked traditional Irish cuisine.

There’s plenty of privacy on the 300 acre property, the perfect escape to the west of Ireland. Those with a keen interest in the culinary arts may also be tempted to visit the nearby Ballymaloe cookery school while in Cork.

Adare Manor

The luxurious Adare Manor re-opened at the end of 2017 after an extensive refurbishment that has captivated all those hoping to visit the Limerick hotel.

An impressive venue when Tony Hawk married Cathy Goodman in June 2015, Adare Manor has only become more spectacular since its restoration, which has included a La Mer Spa, a magnificent new ballroom and enviable dining options. The hotel’s golf course is also scheduled to open this year, further enhancing the experience.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle, located in Cong, Co. Mayo, appears to be a popular spot for celebrity weddings, with Irish actor Pierce Brosnan and golfer Rory McIlroy both having their respective weddings at the luxurious venue. Set on 350 acres of ancient woodland, Ashford Castle has 82 spectacular guest rooms, each ringing true to the castle’s heritage.

Guests can experience exquisite dining in the George V Dining Room Restaurant and sample wines from the award-winning Castle Wine Cellars. From a relaxation point of view, guests can indulge in Ashford Castle’s spa, which was voted Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa in 2016.

Castle Leslie Estate

When Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills got married in June 2002, they chose Castle Leslie Estate in Co. Monaghan as their perfect wedding venue. With a sense of old world grandeur and true Irish hospitality, the estate offers guests an escape from the outside world.

The castle’s bedrooms transport guests back to the past, opting to remove mini bars and televisions in favour of a calming atmosphere (don’t worry, you can still get wifi if you really want). There’s also a spa and options to partake in a number of activities.

Luttrellstown Castle

Located on an enchanting 560 acre estate, Luttrellstown Castle Resort is a truly magical venue. The exclusive resort has an air of historic splendour about it, something which likely attracted one of the world’s most glamorous couples.

David and Victoria Beckham tied the knot in the castle on July 4th 1999 and given that Luttrellstown Castle prides itself on the complete privacy offered to guests, it really is the perfect spot for an intimate wedding.

Lough Rynn Castle Estate

Follow in the steps of Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman with a wedding at the luxurious Lough Rynn Castle Estate in Co. Leitrim. The pair married in July 2010 in the historic castle, which is located on the shores of Lough Rynn and is surrounded by over 300 acres of incredible scenic views, from ancient forests to a number of interesting historical spots.

Dining at Lough Rynn is also a treat, with the award-winning 2AA Rosette Sandstone restaurant fulfilling all of your culinary desires.

Castle Gurteen de la Poer

Castle Gurteen de la Poer is a stunning estate located 8km outside Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Owned by artist Gottfried Helnwein, the historic castle played host to Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese in December 2005 when the pair wed in an intimate ceremony. A private residence, Gottfried Helnwein lives and works on the estate with his family.

Castlemartyr Resort

Although they didn’t get married in Ireland, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West made headlines in 2014 when they spent their honeymoon at Castlemartyr Resort in Co. Cork.

You can escape to the unbeatable surroundings of East Cork at this 5-star hotel and indulge in all the resort has to offer, from luxurious spa treatments to a spot of golf. It’s no wonder Kimye were so taken with Ireland.

FEATURE BY SARAH GLASCOTT

Sarah has always had a great love of travel, food and photography. Following her journalism degree at DCU, she developed a passion for travel writing while living in Spain.

Sarah loves exploring new places and sampling the local cuisine. Working with TheTaste.ie combines her love of food and travel.

A big people person, especially when it comes to hearing other people’s stories, Sarah loves interviewing chefs, food producers and more.